Walcott blow for Gunners

Arsenal have confirmed that winger Theo Walcott will be sidelined for up to six weeks.

Walcott collected an ankle injury during England's 3-1 win over Switzerland on Tuesday night and leaves Arsenal in the midst of an injury crisis ahead of their match with Bolton Wanderers this weekend.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed that Walcott, 21, would be missing for up to six weeks.

quite bad

"The tackle looked quite bad," said Wenger.

"When you see how it turned his ankle I thought it would be three or four days or it would be four to six weeks. Unfortunately it will be four to six weeks."

It was also confirmed earlier this week that Robin van Persie would be out for six weeks with an ankle injury sustained at Blackburn Rovers in the last Barclays Premier League match.

"That is bad news," said Wenger. "At the start we were optimistic. Maybe a bit too much, thinking it would be one or two weeks. But the damage was bigger than expected and he will be four to six weeks."

The good news for Arsenal is Samir Nasri has recovered from knee surgery and could be involved against Bolton.

Matches on the 5th of May will not clash with the FA Cup Final and may accordingly move to a different kick off time on the Saturday or to the Sunday. A further announcement will be made closer to the date.
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